Stage set at Stirling Castle for a unique performance of Tam O Shanter

The historic setting of Stirling Castle’s splendid Great Hall will provide a dramatic stage for the premiere, on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th October, of a unique performance of Tam O Shanter.

The new production is the result of the collaboration of three of Scotland’s National Youth performing arts companies – YDance, Scottish Youth Theatre and the Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. To celebrate Scotland’s Year of Homecoming, the three have, for the first time, come together in a creative project inspired by Robert Burns’ epic poem, Tam O Shanter.

Written over two centuries ago, Tam O Shanter remains a powerful tale, with themes which still have relevance through its explorations of the influences of good and evil, and alcohol and sexual attraction.

Gillian MacDonald, Stirling Castle Head of Visitor Services and Business Development, said :“We’re delighted to be welcoming YDance, Scottish Youth Theatre, and the Youth Pipe Band of Scotland to Stirling Castle for this new collaborative production. The three companies all have a reputation for innovative performances, so their retelling of the tale of Tam O Shanter for contemporary audiences promises to be an exciting event.”

Following the opening performances at Stirling Castle, the production will be staged at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness and Haddo House, Aberdeenshire.

The Stirling Castle performances start at at 8pm and tickets are priced £10 (£6 concessions) and available from: The Tolbooth, Jail Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1DE or by telephone on 01786 274000

Notes for editors

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture. From the castle’s ramparts, visitors can take in views over two of Scotland’s most important battle sites – Stirling Bridge (1297) and Bannockburn (1314). The castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town, off M9 junction 9 or 10. Tel: 01786 450000. Admission: Adult £9.00; Child £4.50; Concessions £7.00 (includes admission to Argyll’s Lodging). For full details of ticket prices and opening times, visit www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk.

Major conservation work has been carried out at Stirling Castle over many years to preserve the attraction as a major national and international monument. An ambitious £12 million scheme, the Stirling Castle Palace Project, is currently underway to restore and refurbish the Royal Palace at Stirling and present the Royal Lodgings as they might have appeared in the heyday of Scotland’s Stewart court in the mid 16th century. An interpretive display on the court of James V will be created in the palace vaults and a Renaissance Gallery on the upper floors of the palace will house the original Stirling Heads, a rare group of intricately carved oak ceiling medallions depicting kings,queens, courtiers and mythological creatures. Costumed interpreters will bring to life the history of the 16th century to enrich visitors’ enjoyment.

Stirling Castle is one of over 345 outstanding heritage properties and sites in the care of Historic Scotland. Ranging from prehistoric dwellings to medieval castles, and from cathedrals to industrial buildings, these include some of the leading tourism attractions in the country. Among the most popular are Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles, Skara Brae, and the Border Abbeys. For further details visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places. Historic Scotland’s Mission is: to safeguard Scotland’s historic environment and to promote its understanding and enjoyment.

Historic Scotland is delighted to be supporting the 2009 Year of Homecoming with a series of initiatives including family trails, spectacular events and the creation of a Homecoming Pass for heritage attractions in association with other heritage organisations.

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